Introduction
The City of Mandurah is a local government authority in Western Australia responsible for community services, infrastructure, planning, environmental management, economic development and programs that improve the city’s liveability and long-term sustainability.
History and Background
Mandurah is located on Bindjareb Noongar Country, part of the wider Noongar Nation of south-west Western Australia.
The Bindjareb people are the Traditional Custodians of the region and maintain enduring cultural connections to its rivers, wetlands, coastline and estuary.
Mandurah’s Noongar name, Mandjoogoordap, means “meeting place of the heart,” reflecting the area’s long history as an important gathering and trading place.
European settlement in the region began during the nineteenth century. Improved road access from Fremantle during the early twentieth century contributed to Mandurah’s development as a tourism and holiday destination.
The Mandurah Roads Board was established in 1949, creating a separate local government entity. The Shire of Mandurah was declared in July 1961, followed by the Town of Mandurah in July 1987.
Mandurah officially received city status in April 1990. It subsequently experienced significant residential, economic and population growth.
Mission and Purpose
The City of Mandurah exists to represent residents, deliver local services and guide the sustainable development of the community.
Its responsibilities include local roads, waste services, parks, libraries, recreation facilities, community programs, environmental protection, planning, building approvals and public-health regulation.
The City’s vision is: “Woven by waterways; a city that is thriving and connected to its people and nature.”
Its strategic focus includes a strong and diverse economy, an inclusive and connected community, protection of the natural environment and transparent local leadership.
The City also works to preserve Mandurah’s waterways and coastal character while planning for population growth, community infrastructure and economic opportunities.
Governance and Structure
The City of Mandurah operates under Western Australia’s Local Government Act 1995 and associated regulations.
The elected Council consists of the Mayor and councillors representing the Coastal, East, North and Town wards.
Mayor Amber Kearns leads the Council and acts as its principal spokesperson. Councillor Jess Smith has served as Deputy Mayor since October 2025.
The Mayor presides over Council meetings, provides leadership to elected members, performs civic duties and works with the Chief Executive Officer on the City’s affairs.
Councillors represent residents, ratepayers and local stakeholders. They participate in Council decisions, communicate with the community and contribute to committees and advisory groups.
The Chief Executive Officer and executive leadership team manage the City’s administration, workforce, services, projects and implementation of Council decisions.
The City publishes meeting agendas, minutes, policies, annual reports, financial information, governance registers and performance reports to support transparency and accountability.
Strategic Planning
The Strategic Community Plan 2024–2044 establishes Mandurah’s long-term community vision, priorities and desired outcomes.
The plan was developed through community engagement and reflects residents’ expectations for the city’s economy, environment, community life and leadership.
The Corporate Business Plan 2026–2030 converts the long-term vision into measurable services, programs and projects to be delivered over four years.
Supporting strategies address economic development, environmental management, community wellbeing, arts and culture, reconciliation, public health and infrastructure.
Quarterly and annual performance reports allow the Council and community to assess progress against strategic objectives.
Funding and Grants
The City finances its services through rates, fees, service charges, government grants, contributions and other local government revenue.
These funds support roads, waste collection, community facilities, libraries, parks, environmental management, recreation, cultural activities and community-development programs.
The City also provides grants, donations and sponsorships to eligible community organizations, sporting clubs and individuals.
Funding programs are governed by published guidelines and the City’s Grants and Funding Policy. Applications are generally assessed according to community need, strategic alignment, anticipated benefits, feasibility and value for money.
Funding availability, application periods and grant amounts may change between financial years.
Community Grants
The Community Grants Program supports local nonprofit organizations delivering projects, events and creative initiatives within Mandurah.
Eligible organizations may apply for up to $5,000 to deliver activities that increase community capacity, engagement, participation, education or skills.
Projects may support vulnerable communities, volunteering, community-organization capacity, access to technology, cultural diversity, social inclusion, youth leadership, arts, Indigenous culture and neighbourhood connections.
Applicants should demonstrate how their project aligns with the Strategic Community Plan 2024–2044.
Community grant rounds are offered at designated times during the year, with applications submitted through the City’s online grants portal.
Community Partnership Grants
Community Partnership Grants support nonprofit organizations delivering programs or services that require longer-term funding.
The program is intended for projects providing clear community benefits that may not be achievable through a single year of financial support.
Successful organizations can receive annual payments for up to three financial years.
Applications are assessed according to community need, benefits for Mandurah residents, value for money and alignment with the City’s strategic priorities.
The annual contribution is determined by the assessment panel rather than through a standard fixed award.
Community Event Support Grants
Community Event Support Grants assist eligible nonprofit recreation clubs and community groups in organizing local events.
Supported costs may include first aid, promotion, advertising, traffic management, waste services, portable toilets, security, temporary infrastructure and venue hire.
Eligible organizations can receive up to $3,000 annually, excluding GST.
For the 2026–2027 financial year, the total Community Event Support Grant funding pool is $30,000, excluding GST.
Events should encourage participation, engage local businesses and contribute to the vibrancy of Mandurah.
Sports and Recreation Support
The City supports sporting and recreation organizations through several targeted funding programs.
The Club Connect program provides eligible sporting and recreation clubs with $700 for community-led activities and initiatives that strengthen local organizational capacity.
The Outstanding Sporting Representative Grant assists eligible athletes, coaches and officials selected to participate at state, national or international levels.
Funding may contribute toward eligible travel and accommodation expenses directly connected to an approved competition.
The City also works with the Western Australian Government to administer KidSport. Eligible families may receive up to $300 per child toward sporting registration, uniforms, equipment or swimming lessons.
KidSport applicants must generally be between five and 18 years old, live within the relevant local government area and hold an eligible concession card or qualify through an approved financial assessment.
Major Programs and Services
The City maintains local roads, drainage, footpaths, public spaces, parks, beaches, reserves and community facilities.
Waste-management services include household collections, recycling, bulk waste arrangements and environmental education.
Planning and development services administer local planning requirements, building applications, land-use decisions and business approvals.
Community facilities include libraries, recreation centres, youth spaces, seniors’ services, arts venues and public meeting spaces.
The City organizes festivals, cultural programs, exhibitions, public events and activities that contribute to community participation and tourism.
Programs addressing youth development, ageing, disability access, multicultural inclusion, homelessness, mental health and community safety support vulnerable and underrepresented residents.
Environmental Management and Waterways
Mandurah’s natural environment is defined by its coastline, estuary, rivers, wetlands and internationally significant wildlife.
The City undertakes coastal management, environmental restoration, biodiversity protection, water conservation and climate-adaptation planning.
It works with advisory groups, government agencies, researchers and community organizations to protect the estuary and coastal environment.
The City has received recognition through the Water Corporation’s Waterwise Council Program for its water-management practices.
Environmental initiatives also encourage residents and businesses to conserve water, reduce waste and participate in local conservation activities.
Economic Development
The City’s Economic Development Strategy seeks to create a stronger and more diverse local economy.
Activities include supporting existing businesses, encouraging entrepreneurship, attracting investment and promoting employment opportunities.
The City works with government, industry, educational institutions and regional partners to address workforce needs and develop strategic projects.
Tourism, hospitality, recreation, health, construction, professional services and creative industries contribute to Mandurah’s economy.
Economic development is planned alongside environmental protection and community wellbeing to preserve the city’s distinctive waterfront identity.
First Nations and Reconciliation
The City recognizes the Bindjareb people as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which Mandurah stands.
Its reconciliation work seeks to strengthen relationships, recognize culture and ensure Bindjareb voices contribute to local decision-making.
The City has implemented successive Reconciliation Action Plans and continues to consult with the local Bindjareb community about future priorities.
Programs and events support Indigenous culture, young people, storytelling, artistic expression and connection to Country.
Dual naming and the incorporation of Noongar language into public facilities reflect Mandurah’s continuing commitment to cultural recognition.
Who Can Apply for City Grants?
Eligibility differs between funding programs.
Potential applicants include locally based nonprofit organizations, community associations, recreation clubs, sporting groups and residents participating in eligible representative activities.
Organizations generally need to demonstrate a clear community benefit and sufficient capacity to manage public funds.
Projects should align with the relevant grant objectives and the City’s Strategic Community Plan.
Commercial activities, retrospective expenditure and proposals primarily benefiting an individual may be ineligible unless specifically permitted by the program guidelines.
Applicants should contact the City’s Grants and Funding Officer before submitting an application if eligibility is unclear.
How to Apply
Applicants should begin by reviewing the current program guidelines and confirming that the relevant funding round is open.
Applications are generally submitted through the City of Mandurah’s SmartyGrants portal.
A proposal should explain the community need, planned activities, target participants, implementation schedule, anticipated outcomes and requested budget.
Supporting documents may include organizational registration information, quotations, insurance evidence, financial records and letters of support.
Applications must be complete and submitted before the relevant deadline. Successful applicants are required to use the funding for its approved purpose and meet reporting and acquittal conditions.
Impact and Examples of Work Funded
City grants help local organizations deliver community events, skills programs, cultural activities, youth initiatives and services for vulnerable residents.
Community Partnership Grants provide longer-term support for programs that require continuity beyond a single financial year.
Event funding contributes to first aid, security, waste management, traffic control and other practical costs involved in delivering safe public activities.
Sports grants help clubs strengthen their operations and assist eligible athletes, coaches and officials with representative opportunities.
The City also manages major public facilities and works with state funding partners. The Dawesville Community Centre, for example, was supported through $6.237 million from the Western Australian Government and a $2.650 million Lotterywest grant, with the City responsible for operating the facility.
Infrastructure, environmental and community investments contribute to Mandurah’s accessibility, liveability, regional identity and capacity to respond to continued growth.
Conclusion
The City of Mandurah plays a central role in governing a rapidly growing Western Australian community shaped by its waterways, coastline and Bindjareb heritage.
Through local services, strategic planning, environmental stewardship, economic development and community funding, the City supports a connected, inclusive and sustainable future.
Community organizations, sporting clubs and eligible individuals can access several funding programs, but applicants should review current guidelines because grant amounts, deadlines and eligibility requirements vary.
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